~ August 2012 ~

 

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Below are a list of the African-American books on sale during the month of JULY 2012.  Click on the title for review of the book. Click on ISBN to purchase.

INSPIRATIONAL | CONTEMPORARY/SERIES | MAINSTREAM


INSPIRATIONAL FICTION


THE OTHER SIDE OF GOODNESS - Vanessa Davis Griggs

Kensington Dafina/Christian

PRINT | EBOOK

Fifty-year-old Alabama congressman Lawrence Rudolph Simmons will do whatever it takes to get re-elected--even switch parties from Democrat to Republican. With the political tide turning, Lawrence feels it's his best shot--along with his charisma, solid twenty-nine year marriage, and three great kids. But a buried secret from his past is about to be resurrected. . .

It's been eight years since Gabrielle Mercedes gave up her baby for adoption. But when she learns the child desperately needs a bone marrow transplant, she doesn't hesitate to contact the congressman. Like Lawrence, Gabrielle will fight for what she wants, even if it means the truth could ruin someone else's life and career. . .


BLESSINGS FROM THE FATHER - Michelle Larks

Urban Books/Christian

PRINT

Fifty-year-old Alabama congressman Lawrence Rudolph Simmons will do whatever it takes to get re-elected--even switch parties from Democrat to Republican. With the political tide turning, Lawrence feels it's his best shot--along with his charisma, solid twenty-nine year marriage, and three great kids. But a buried secret from his past is about to be resurrected. . .

It's been eight years since Gabrielle Mercedes gave up her baby for adoption. But when she learns the child desperately needs a bone marrow transplant, she doesn't hesitate to contact the congressman. Like Lawrence, Gabrielle will fight for what she wants, even if it means the truth could ruin someone else's life and career. . .


SOMEONE BAD AND SOMETHING BLUE - Miranda Parker

Kensington Dafina/Christian

PRINT | EBOOK

Beautiful, brainy, and tough-as-nails, single mom and bail recovery agent turned sleuth Angel Crawford has a lot on her plate. But between crime-solving and kindergarten carpool, it's all in a day's work...

Ordered to take a vacation, Angel gives in--and sets out to solve the mystery that's got her living on the edge: a disturbing delivery and haunting message that transports her back to the tragic day her fiancée, Gabriel Hwang, was murdered. Convinced the trail to the killer is no longer cold after six long years, Angel embarks on a hunt for the truth that propels her into Atlanta's secretive speakeasy society, the annual Running of the Brides, and a romp around a swamp with a handsome U.S. Marshall that may ruin her future with Pastor Justus Too-Hot-To-Be-Holy Morgan. That is, providing she has a future. . . .


 

CONTEMPORARY/SERIES ROMANCE


SUMMER VOWS - Rochelle Alers

HARLEQUIN KIMANI/ARABESQUE

PRINT | EBOOK

Twins Ana and Jason, along with their cousin Nicholas, are successful thirtysomethings who are single—and loving it. They have no idea that their relatives are betting on which one of them will get married first. But by the family's New Year's Eve reunion, will all three have learned what it means to be really lucky—in love? As CEO of Serenity Records, Ana Cole never backs down.

Now the hot new recording artist she's signed has made her the target of death threats, forcing her to go into hiding. And protecting her is U.S. marshal Jacob Jones. Jacob has better things to do on his vacation than play bodyguard. Until he gets a glimpse of the body he'll be guarding? Spending days and nights together in close quarters stokes their mutual attraction into an inferno of desire. But if Jacob can outwit a would-be assassin, will their love outlast his assignment?


DANGEROUS INTENTIONS - Donna Hill

Hiltop Publications

Michelene Tyner is the pulse of New Orleans. As the personal shopper for the elite she has entree into the homes and lives of all the movers and shakers. Enter Chase Alexander, criminal defense attorney who needs his life organized. Michelene comes highly recommended. It isn't long before business turns to exquisite pleasure until Michelene's best friend is found murdered and Chase must defend the accused. Michelene is torn between her growing love for Chase and her loyalty to her friend. The stakes turn into high gear when it is discovered that Michelene holds the one piece of evidence that will take down a murderer and dismantle Chase's career.


TAKEN - Aliyah Burke | Yvette Hines | Bridget Midway

Whispers Publishing

Best friends Kathryn, Leya, and Summer all make a vow during a friend's wedding: explore the world to find love. Leya is the hopeless romantic willing to take a grand leap for big rewards. Kathryn is the unwavering cynic who plans to use the trip to recharge her batteries rather than find romance. And Summer is the friend most afraid to explore her deepest desires for fear of being judged.

When Leya meets Kolby, Kathryn meets Justin, and Summer meets Xander, the ladies' worlds are turned upside down. Each finds that a simple getaway has turned into something much more than they may be able to handle. The flash of passionate heat burns hot when they meet. Is it enough to keep them together?

Can Leya learn to trust Kolby after a startling truth is revealed? Will divorce attorney Kathryn learn that with the right man and his love a long-lasting relationship is possible? Can Summer gain enough confidence to snag a man she's taken with and reveal a side of herself she's never shared? With so many obstacles in their paths, these ladies will have to follow their hearts to gain true love.


WAVES OF PASSION - Linda Hudson-Smith

Harlequin Kimani/Romance

They meet on a luxury cruise liner. He's the hunky ship's doctor. She's the stunning junior medical officer under his supervision. Their attraction is instant, red-hot and impossible to resist. Both Dr. Cameron Quinn and Dr. Gabrielle Grinage know from unpleasant past experiences that it's dangerous to mix business and pleasure.

Once their ship sets sail headed for the shimmering white beaches of the Bahamas, the desire cresting between them goes off the charts. Giving in to her feelings for her sexy boss is sweeping Gabrielle into uncharted waters. But Cameron is ready to prove to the petite beauty that they're bound for the same destination: a forever-after island called love!


FOREVER A STALLION - Deborah Fletcher Mello

Harlequin Kimani/Romance

PRINT | EBOOK

Phaedra Parrish's life takes a sudden turn when she discovers she's a member of the legendary Stallion clan. In Dallas to meet her newly found half brothers, the worldly photographer isn't looking for romance—or commitment. But self-made hotel tycoon Mason Boudreaux III won't take no for an answer. Under starry Texas skies, the dashing and debonair CEO is showing Phaedra what men in the West are really like.

Mason's got everything riding on his make-or-break business deal with the Stallions. Now the corporate playboy has an even stronger reason to merge with them: his desire for their exquisite, free-spirited sister. But Mason wants more than just a business deal. He wants to get to know the woman behind the camera. From a sprawling Western ranch to an exotic private island, Mason woos Phaedra…but will she say I do to a lifetime of forever in his arms?


IRRESISTIBLE YOU - Celeste O. Norfleet

Cresent Island Publisher

EBOOK (Digital Reissue)

During the New York City blackout, ballerina Juliet Bridges enjoys a night of passion with an anonymous CEO known only as J.T. It was supposed to be no more than a quick fling, but she can't stop thinking about the cosmic connection she shared with a stranger. When a series of coincidences bring the handsome figure back into her life, she leaps at the opportunity to make another move.

Chief Executive J.T. Evans isn't looking for love, but he thinks he's stumbled upon it when he meets a whimsical one-night stand. When a notorious matchmaker puts him on her hit list, he beats her to the chase by tracking down the only woman who's ever managed to capture his attention -- Juliet Bridges. But once they're together, Juliet's fierce independence threatens to break them apart. Can she get past her fear of commitment to give herself a chance with Mr. Right?


ONE SURE THING - Celeste O. Norfleet

Cresent Island Publisher

EBOOK

Emergency room doctor Hope Adams is used to tough situations, but Raymond Gates may be her most difficult case yet-and he's not even a patient. The renowned plastic surgeon storms into the ER at the end of Hope's thirty-hour shift, demanding better care for his beloved grandmother, Mamma Lou. After some heated words, Hope and Ray agree to care for Mamma Lou as a team, to the matchmaking old lady's delight. Wary of relationships after a bitter divorce, Hope find herself falling deeply for this sensual, caring man, but can she trust her once-broken heart?

Ray has made it a rule never to mix work and romance, but when it comes to Hope, all reasoning flies out the window. She's dedicated, compassionate, and not at all impressed by his wealth or status. Ray is going to woo her every way he knows how, and when someone from her past sets out to destroy Hope's career-and their romance-he'll go to any lengths to prove that this priceless gift is one thing Hope can count on ...forever.


THE REBOUND GUY - Farrah Rochon

Nicobar Press

EBOOK

Guy Rule #1: Never date a woman on the rebound...Leave that to Dexter Bryant. The self-declared relationship advisor specializes in “counseling” women who have just ended long-term relationships. He wines them. He dines them. He treats them like queens, all with the purpose of rebuilding their self-confidence. Most importantly, he excels in the fine art of making ex-boyfriends jealous. But Dexter is trying to shake off the stud-for-hire persona in hopes of turning his service into a legitimate consulting business.

However, a stud-for-hire is exactly what Asia Carpenter is looking for. The career-minded PR Crisis Manager is completely blindsided when her ideal man dumps her for another woman, leaving her with a broken heart...and the bill for her engagement ring. Humiliated and dreading the looks of pity from her friends and co-workers, Asia hires Dexter as her pretend love interest, to show her ex-fiancé that she can land a sexy man—and keep him. What Asia doesn’t anticipate is how quickly their pretend love turns into the real thing.


FIVE STAR TEMPTATION - Jacquelin Thomas

Harlequin Kimani/Romance

PRINT | EBOOK

Working undercover has its advantages…especially when Ryan Manning encounters one of the most beautiful women he's ever seen. The investigative reporter took to the streets of Beverly Hills to expose the plight of the homeless. Now he's installed in Sage Alexander's fabulous luxury resort and spa…being given the royal five-star treatment by the hotel heiress herself!

Something about the tall, handsome stranger in rugged clothing touches Sage's heart—until she discovers who he really is. Stung by his deception, Sage vows to keep her distance from Ryan. But it's too late, she can't control her feelings—or her passion—for the courageous journalist. Ryan's masquerade is over, but is their love affair just beginning?


HIS TEXAS TOUCH - AlTonya Washington

Harlequin Kimani/Romance

PRINT | EBOOK

Heiress Avra Ross has made a name for herself while working at her family's newspaper, which is known for uncovering lies and corruption. But an ongoing murder investigation brings her into the crosshairs of Samson Melendez, heir to one of the Lone Star state's most famed dynasties. Determined to resist the gorgeous executive's commanding charm, Avra realizes that far more than the truth is at stake.

Because the Ross and Melendez families have been close for years, Sam has always hidden his secret desire for Avra. But now he and the willowy beauty must work together to uncover a shocking truth that could turn their powerful Western clans into bitter rivals. Soon passion ignites as a breaking scandal unfolds. Sam and Avra must unmask the unseen enemy threatening to bring down both their families…or risk losing a love they can no longer deny!


DIRTY LAUNDRY - Yahrah St. John

Amazon Digital Services

EBOOK (Digital Only)

LAYLA, a successful financial advisor is stuck on the one man she can’t have: her live-in boyfriend Conrad, who won’t commit. CHANEL, a bartender turned hair stylist doesn’t want to end up like her mother with five kids and on welfare, but yet she continues to date thugs, jailbirds and men with baby-mama drama. REESE, a promising interior designer has the perfect image of her ideal mate. She’s had her wedding planned out since she was nine-years-old.

A virgin, she’s saving herself for the right man but instead of finding Prince Charming, all she finds are playas. SKYE, a former supermodel has no trouble finding a man, be it a movie star, professional athlete, or younger man - too bad she’s aging and her career is on the downward spiral. Despite their heartbreak, failed relationships or lives being turned upside down by a life-altering events; the four women realize that the bonds of sisterhood are stronger than what they have with any man.


YOU CAN'T PLAN LOVE - Synithia Williams

Crimson Romance

EBOOK

Knowing firsthand the heartbreak that comes when desire and emotion rule a relationship, Kenyatta Copeland assumes marrying Brad Johnson will lead to a safe and secure life. But as much as she believes she can plan her future, it’s hard to ignore the way her boss, Malcolm Patterson, ignites her passions with just one look.

After Malcolm learns of her engagement, he makes a play for her heart and reminds her that passion between a man and a woman has its perks… but also its costs. When Brad confirms his suspicion that there’s more than work between Kenyatta and Malcolm, he devises a sinister plan to keep Kenyatta by his side. Torn between her promise to marry Brad and her irrepressible longing for Malcolm, Kenyatta must decide if she can live her life in a passionless marriage of convenience or once again trust her heart. Yet Brad does not intend to let her go easily, and by the time she realizes the depths of his treachery, it may be too late.


 

MAINSTREAM FICTION | MYSTERY | SUSPENSE


 

JUSTIN CASE - R.A. Daniels

Crimson Kissing Publishing

EBOOK

Solomon Singletary has no interest in establishing substantive relationships with women and even prides himself on his ability to remain distant while still getting what he wants. Then a chance encounter with one of his “victims” and her young son sparks something in him he never anticipated: a desire to seek forgiveness, from her and himself. Winning back Michele could prove even more difficult than admitting he was wrong, and as Solomon opens his mind and heart in ways he never imagined, he also makes an alarming discovery about a close friend.

 

In this entertaining novel, Curtis Bunn offers rare insight into the raw emotions, vulnerabilities, and flaws of a contemporary man.


A COLD PIECE OF WORK - Curtis Bunn

Strebor Books/Zane Presents

PRINT | EBOOK

Solomon Singletary has no interest in establishing substantive relationships with women and even prides himself on his ability to remain distant while still getting what he wants. Then a chance encounter with one of his “victims” and her young son sparks something in him he never anticipated: a desire to seek forgiveness, from her and himself. Winning back Michele could prove even more difficult than admitting he was wrong, and as Solomon opens his mind and heart in ways he never imagined, he also makes an alarming discovery about a close friend.

 

In this entertaining novel, Curtis Bunn offers rare insight into the raw emotions, vulnerabilities, and flaws of a contemporary man.


BRICK - Allison Hobbs

Strebor Books/Zane Presents

PRINT | EBOOK

After a brutal attack, Misty is barely clinging to life and no one expects her to recover. Thomasina is inconsolable, and she holds Brick responsible for her daughter’s condition. Deeming himself the judge, jury, and the executor, Brick is on a single-minded vengeance quest to dispense justice to Misty’s assailant.

A killing machine with nothing to lose, Brick’s deadly rampage takes him from Philadelphia to Los Angeles, where he uses his good looks, sculpted body, and sensuality to gain behind-the-scenes entry into the lavish lifestyle of the rich and famous. Leaving a trail of bloodshed, carnage, and a brokenhearted woman, Brick uses any means necessary to uncover the perpetrator’s identity.


IF I CANT' HAVE YOU - Toni B. Marrison

Kensington Dafina/Fiction

PRINT | EBOOK

Madison Tyler thought a man like Granville Washington could fulfill her sexual desires and her need for occasional male companionship. And as the owner of a multimillion-dollar multimedia firm, that's as much as Madison wants or needs right now.

Granville is desperate to hold on to Madison. The harder she tries to end contact with him, the harder he fights to stay connected to her. She's captured his heart, and he'll do whatever is necessary not to let her break it. He knows she doesn't love him the way he loves her--she's repeatedly said so--but if she takes time to get to know the man behind the muscles, he's convinced she'll agree that they're perfect for one another. And he'll do whatever it takes to make her see that.


   
 
 


JUNE 2012

JULY 2012

SEPTEMBER 2012

RATING SCALE - An Award of Excellence will only be given if at least two reviewers agree on a 5-star rating.